Unveiled last week, the 2021 Audi Q5 range will continue to be topped by the SQ5, and judging by the latest spy shots, the go-fast version of the premium-compact SUV is almost ready for its debut.
Spied undergoing testing with no camo whatsoever, the model adopted a slightly different look compared to the regular Q5, comprising of the aluminum add-ons surrounding the otherwise identical grille and fog lamps.
The same trim was used on the lower central part of the front bumper and on the side skirts, mirror caps, roof rails and at the back, between the taillights and separating the diffuser from the bumper. Elsewhere, it sports quad exhaust pipes and an identical roof-mounted wing, as well as the same wheels as the facelifted Q5. Nonetheless, this is still a prototype, so the final production version might look a bit different.
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A 3.0-liter TFSI V6 gasoline engine will continue to power the SQ5 in North America, pumping out 349 HP (354 PS / 260 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. Compared to its predecessor, the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint has been improved by 0.4 seconds, to 4.7 seconds.
Pricing for the 2021 model year will start at $52,900 on this side of the ocean, $9,600 more than the entry-level Q5 45 TFSI quattro, and $1,000 more than the Q5 55 TFSI e quattro plug-in hybrid, in Premium trim. For the Premium Plus and Prestige you are looking at a minimum of $57,300 and $62,500 respectively.
The SQ5 will also soldier on in Europe, where it will likely be joined by a diesel-powered variant, packing a 3.0-liter V6 TDI mild-hybrid that is good for 342 HP (347 PS / 255 kW) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) in the current iteration.
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